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Ross Watson is in his 10th season as a defensive coach for the Rockets, and sixth year as co-defensive coordinator. During his term at Toledo, Watson has groomed safeties that have played an indispensable role in the team’s success.
In 2024, Watson coached senior Maxen Hook to his fourth straight season as an All-MAC selection, only the third Rocket ever to earn that distinction. Hook also earned first-team All-MAC honors for the third time and was selected tio play in the 2025 Senior Bowl. Overall, Toledo tied for the MAC lead with 13 interceptions and ranked No. 3 in the league in defensive passing efficiency (117.10)
Toledo had the third-ranked scoring defense in the MAC in 2023, allowing just 20.3 points per game, as the Rockets went 11-3 and made their second straight trip to the MAC Championship Game. The Rockets also led the league in sacks (39), defensive efficiency (110.3) and were tied for the league lead in forced fumbles (14). Hook earned first-team All-MAC honors for the second year in a row.
The Rockets ranked first in the MAC in total defense (326.1), passing yards allowed (183.0) and defensive passing efficiency (112.19) in 2022. Additionally Toledo was 10th in the nation in defensive passing efficiency, 12th in passing yards allowed and 18th in total defense. The MAC champion Rockets held nine opponents to less than 200 yards passing. In six of those games, opponents were held to less than 100 yards passing. Two safeties, Hook and junior Nate Bauer, were named first-team and second-team All-MAC, respectively.
Toledo topped the league in scoring defense (21.8) and defensive pass efficiency (118.8) in 2021, and ranked second in the MAC in total defense (349.7) and third in passing defense (198.2).
Watson was instrumental in the development of Tycen Anderson, a two-time All-MAC safety who was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Anderson earned first-team All-MAC recognition in 2021, the first Rocket safety to make first-team all-league since 2012. In addition, Hook earned third-team All-MAC honors in 2021.
Watson’s safeties group for 2020 included a pair of second-team All-MAC honorees, Anderson and Bauer. Toledo was second in the MAC in total defense (362.2) in 2020, allowing just 24.3 points per game, also leading the MAC in opponent third-down conversions (27.4%) and ranking second in rushing defense (129.2).
Watson guided safeties that played a major role in Toledo’s 2017 MAC Championship season. Sophomore Kahlil Robinson registered 67 tackles and led the team with four interceptions. Toledo’s defense held MAC opponents to 21 points or fewer in six of their seven league victories, and shut out Akron through most of three quarters in the MAC Championship Game.
In 2016, Watson helped mentor senior strong safety DeJuan Rogers to second-team All-MAC honors on his way to an invitation to the Chicago Bears’ 2017 rookie mini-camp. Rogers led the Rockets with 94 tackles and broke up six passes. Fellow senior Connery Swift also had an outstanding season, with 61 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. Toledo finished fourth in the MAC in scoring defense (25.7) en route to a 9-4 record and a berth in the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Watson played cornerback at Mount Union from 2002-05, where he was a freshman during Jason Candle’s senior season with the Purple Raiders. He stayed at his alma mater to begin his coaching career, spending two seasons as a defensive backs coach under legendary head coach Larry Kehres. The Purple Raiders posted a 29-1 record in Watson’s two seasons at Mount Union, winning the 2006 Division III national championship and finishing as runner-up in 2007.
During a 15-0 season in 2006, the Raider defense allowed just 186 yards per game, posted four shutouts and intercepted 22 passes. In 2007, Mount Union’s defense shut out seven opponents, intercepted 17 passes and held opponents to 173.7 total yards per game.
Watson then went to Nebraska, where he served as a graduate assistant for head coach Bo Pelini from 2008-11, working primarily with the defensive backs. In 2009, the Cornhuskers led the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 10.4 points per game.
In 2012 and 2013, Watson coached defensive backs at Florida Atlantic. In his final season at FAU, the Owls ranked second in the FBS in passing yards allowed (161.5 yards per game), were third in team passing efficiency defense (97.41) and ranked 11th in total defense. FAU ranked 27th nationally in passing defense in 2012.
In 2014, Watson joined the staff at Youngstown State, assuming the position of director of football operations under head coach Eric Wolford. Watson then moved on to Northern Illinois in 2015, where he helped lead the Huskies to a share of the MAC West Division title.
Watson and his wife Sydney have four children: Tripp, Wyatt and twins Colbi and Lexi.
Ross Watson’s Coaching Experience
2023-25 Toledo – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
2020-22 Toledo – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties
2016-19 Toledo – Safeties
2015 Northern Illinois – Linebackers
2014 Youngstown State – Director of Football Operations
2012-13 Florida Atlantic – Defensive Backs
2008-11 Nebraska – Graduate Assistant
2006-07 Mount Union – Defensive Backs
